James Burmeister is a war resister who was living in Ottawa for almost a
year, before surrendering to the US military in March. (For more background,
I blogged about James
here and
here.)

* * * *

After working at Wal-Mart and fast-food restaurants in Eugene, Oregon, James
joined the military. His recruiter told him he would build schools and
support Iraqis who were establishing democracy.

In Iraq, James was assigned to a "small kill" team. Their duty was to place
a fake camera on a pole with a sign labeling it US property, then shoot
anyone who touched it. James, whose task was to provide perimeter security
for the small-kill team, never got over his disgust for the tactic.

After he was wounded by a roadside bomb - suffering traumatic brain injury,
hearing loss and facial wounds - the Army sent James to Germany to recover.
When it was time to go back to Iraq, he went to Ottawa instead.

After 10 months in Canada, James turned himself into the military, and was
put in the brig in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was held in a heavy-security
facility for almost a month.

After pressure from the public and James' congressperson, the Army
transferred James to a more "casual" facility, where he is still being held.
James continues to suffer from the effects of traumatic brain injury and
severe PTSD. The Army's response: keep him medicated. It's not helping.

James' family believes the Army is preparing to send James to Germany for
court martial and probable imprisonment, to reduce his contact with
supporters and activists. This is contrary to the
Uniform Code of Military Justice, but it's a tactic that has been used
against several war resisters, most notably
Agustin Aguayo.

If you want to help, James' family requests you take the following actions.

Call Fort Knox, Kentucky. Request that PFC James Burmeister
be released as soon as possible. Express concern for his medical condition
(brain injury and PTSD). Demand that the Army make public its intentions
regarding James's court martial.

Demand that James Burmeister be released with a medical discharge.
James' military service should be properly recognized, so he can obtain
veterans benefits to help pay for the medical treatments he requires. Calls
can be directed to Major Pitcher (502.624.6247) and Seargent Tua
(502.624.0068).

Write a letter of support to James' Congressman. Tell him
you are concerned about James not getting the medical attention that he
needs. Letters can be mailed to: The Honorable Peter DeFazio, 405 East 8th
Avenue #2030, Eugene, OR 97401, USA. Fax: 541.465.6458. You can also call
the Congressman's office at 541.465.6732.